Picture Frame Keepsake Box

ABSTRACT

A lined keepsake box system has a box, a coaster cover adapted to fit into a recess in the top of sidewalls of the box, and a picture frame cover adapted to be held with magnets on a top of the box over the coaster cover. The picture frame cover has an easel back with an easel kickstand and is removable to display a picture supported on a surface by the kickstand away from the box.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS

The instant application claims priority to Provisional Application62/925,959, filed Oct. 25, 2019. All disclosure of the parentapplication is incorporated at least by reference

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the technical area of memento boxes, andpertains more particularly to a memento box that may be assembled indifferent ways for different purposes.

2. Description of Related Art

There are various types of keepsake boxes in the current art, such asmemento boxes, and memorabilia box containers that have been made formany years. It is customary that most all keepsake boxes have tops thatare attached to the main box with a fixed hinge, screw, or otherfastening mechanism. This attached non-removable top creates a verylimited display of any person's name, design or picture that is on it,and can only properly be seen when the top is closed, in the downposition.

Another problem in the art is that when the top is in the raisedposition, the person's name, design or picture is turned away from theviewer, and it is such that the person's name, design or picture isupside down and/or backwards.

Furthermore, problematic with these fixed top boxes in the current art,in which the person's name, design or picture is adorned on the box, theperson's name, design or picture remains permanent and cannot be removedor changed.

Yet another problem is that that the contents inside the box cannot bedisplayed simultaneously with the box top with the person's name, designor picture.

What is clearly needed is a memento box that solves all the problemsdetailed above.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the invention a convertible keepsake box system isprovided, comprising a planar coaster cover having a regular shape withan outer periphery, a thickness and one or more openings near the outerperiphery, a box having a closed floor, a side wall structure and anopen top, the sidewall structure having an outer periphery in theregular shape of the planar coaster cover, the sidewall structurerecessed around an inner periphery in the regular shape of the planarcoaster cover to a depth equal to the thickness of the coaster cover, toengage the planar coaster cover, and a first plurality of magnetsembedded in a top surface of the side wall structure in a specificpattern outside the recess of the side wall structure, and a pictureframe top in a planar aspect having the lateral size and shape of theouter periphery of the wall structure of the keepsake box and a secondplurality of magnets embedded in a bottom surface of the picture frametop in the specific pattern of the magnets embedded in the top surfaceof the side wall structure of the box. In one embodiment the regularshape of the sidewall structure of the box, the coaster cover and thepicture frame top is rectangular. Also in one embodiment the box has afabric lining, which may be leather. And in one embodiment the pictureframe top further comprises an outer frame recessed to a first deptharound an inner periphery with a planar interchangeable insert of afirst thickness with indicia printed on one surface engaged in therecess of the outer frame.

In one embodiment of the system the indicia is a photograph. Also, inone embodiment the planar interchangeable insert is aluminum and has adye-sublimation photograph printed on one surface. In one embodiment thepicture frame cover further comprises an easel back in the shape andsize of the planar interchangeable insert and a second thickness, theeasel back engaged over the planar interchangeable insert with the firstand second thickness equal to a depth of the recess in the outer frame.In one embodiment the interchangeable insert and the easel back areretained in the recess of the outer frame by a plurality of turn buttonlatches. And in one embodiment the easel back further comprises an easelkickstand enabling the easel back to be supported in a semi-uprightaspect separate from the box with the indicia displayed.

In another aspect of the invention a method for keeping a keepsake isprovided, comprising placing the keepsake in a box a having an outerperiphery in a regular shape, a closed floor and an open top, with aside wall structure recessed around an inner periphery in a regularshape of a planar coaster cover with an outer periphery, a thickness andone or more openings near the outer periphery, and a first plurality ofmagnets embedded in a top surface of the side wall structure in aspecific pattern outside the recess of the side wall structure, placingthe planar coaster cover in the recessed inner periphery of the wallstructure, enclosing the keepsake in the box, and placing a pictureframe top having a planar aspect with lateral size and shape of theouter periphery of the wall structure of the keepsake box, and havingand a second plurality of magnets embedded in a bottom surface of thepicture frame top in the specific pattern of the magnets embedded in thetop surface of the side wall structure of the box, on the top of the boxover the coaster cover, such that the first and second plurality ofembedded magnets mate and hold the picture frame top in place.

In one embodiment of the method box is lined with leather. Also, in oneembodiment the method further comprises steps for accessing the keepsakeby removing the picture frame cover, then lifting off the planar coastercover using the openings proximate the outer periphery, exposing thekeepsake for removal. And in one embodiment the picture frame topfurther comprises a picture on one side and an easel back with an easelkickstand on the other side, further comprising a steps for removing thepicture frame top, and poisoning the picture frame top vertically on asurface away from the box, supported on the easel kickstand, displayingthe picture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of three components of aconvertible keepsake box in an embodiment of the invention

FIG. 2A depicts an exploded perspective view of a picture frame top ofthe keepsake box of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B shows a front view of the picture frame top assembled.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the convertible keepsake box, upright.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the convertible keepsake box, upsidedown.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a coaster cover of the convertiblekeepsake box.

FIG. 4B shows a side cut-away view of the box.

FIG. 4C shows a side cut-away view of the box, as shown with coastercover in joined display.

FIG. 4D illustrates a perspective view of the convertible keepsake box,as shown with coaster cover and box in joined display.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded side view, of two components of theconvertible keepsake box, depicting the placement and polarity ofmagnets.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of all three components of theconvertible keepsake box, as shown in joined display.

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of all three components of theconvertible keepsake box, as shown in a partial separated side by sidedisplay.

FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of all three components of theconvertible keepsake box, as shown in a separated side by side display.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of all three components of theconvertible keepsake box, as shown in a separated stacked display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The inventor provides a unique method and apparatus for a convertiblekeepsake box for holding a keepsake or memento, the holder providing forthe secure and safe long-term retention of the keepsake and providing asophisticated appearance for displaying the keepsake. a new threecomponent apparatus in the instant invention provides for customizationand personalization of the keepsake box, and identification of thekeepsake contained therein. The present invention further providesseveral compartments for holding a picture, article or event associatedwith the keepsake, and multiple ways and means of displaying thekeepsake box. The present invention is described in enabling in thefollowing examples, which may represent more than one embodiment of thepresent invention

FIG. 1 of the convertible keepsake box shows an exploded perspectiveview of the three components; the first component being the pictureframe top 101, the second component being the box 102, and the thirdcomponent being the coaster cover 103. The picture frame top 101 and box102, are both manufactured from wood and painted with lacquer. Thecoaster cover 103 is manufactured from wood and painted with lacquer.However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that allthree components, the picture frame top, box, and coaster cover sectionsmay be made of any suitable material such as plastic, injection moldedplastic, acrylic, metal, glass, cardboard, plaster, mineral, etc., butnot limited to these materials, this could be any material thatcurrently exists, that is commonly used in the industry, and/or yet tobe developed.

FIG. 1 further shows the picture frame top 101 with an interchangeableinsert 105 of a person's name, design or picture. The interchangeableinsert 105, is constructed of dye-sublimation photograph printed onaluminum. This interchangeable insert 105 may be made of any suitablematerial such as paper, plastic, injection molded plastic, acrylic,glass, cardboard, plaster, mineral, etc., but not limited to thesematerials, this could be any material that currently exists, that iscommonly used in the industry, and/or yet to be developed.

FIG. 1 further shows the front facing perspective view of the box 102,with an area for a plaque 104 to be applied. This plaque 104, is made ofaluminum metal plate and it can be engraved. The plaque 104, is held inplace with double-sided sticky tape, and not permanently affixed to thebox 102, it can be replaced, re-positioned, changed, or altered. Theplaque 104, is engraved with a person's name, title, sentiment,inscription, design, etc. This plaque 104, may be made of any suitablematerial such as paper, plastic, injection molded plastic, acrylic,glass, cardboard, plaster, mineral, etc., but not limited to thesematerials, this could be any material that currently exists, that iscommonly used in the industry, and/or yet to be developed.

FIG. 1 further shows the picture frame top 101, box 102, and coastercover 103, all having the same square shape. But, not limited to this,this could be made to be any size and/or shape that currently exists,that is commonly used in the industry, and/or yet to be developed.

FIG. 2A shows the exploded profile side perspective view of the pictureframe top 101, comprising the interchangeable insert 105, easel back201, and the easel kickstand 202. FIG. 2B shows a back-side perspectiveview of the picture frame top 101, and five specific elements. The firstspecific element is the placement of four round micro Neodymium-RareEarth Magnets (magnets) 205 a, 205 b, 205 c, and 205 d. Each of thesemagnets are recessed and flush mounted into the back side of the pictureframe top 101. The magnets 205 a, 205 b, 205 c, and 205 d are setadjacent to the edge of all four sides of the picture frame top 101 andare aligned on center of each of the four sides of the picture frame top101.

FIG. 2B also shows a second specific element to the picture frame top101, that is titled, the easel back 201. The easel back 201 ismanufactured from wood and painted with lacquer. But is not limited tothis, this could be made to be any material that currently exists, thatis commonly used in the industry, and/or yet to be developed.

FIG. 2B further shows a third specific element that is named the easelback kickstand 202, which is affixed to the easel back 201 by hinge 203.This enables the easel back kickstand 202 to fold flat into the closedposition against the easel back 201, and also enables the easel backkickstand 202 to swing out and into the open position as shown in FIG.2A. Hinge 203 is constructed of metal in this example. However, it willbe understood by those skilled in the art that this may be of anysuitable material such as plastic, carboard, rubber, etc., but notlimited to these materials. This could be any material that currentlyexists, that is commonly used in the industry, and/or yet to bedeveloped. Easel back kickstand 202 serves to support the picture frametop 101 in an upright display position and stand up on a flat surfacefor display purposes, as shown in FIG. 7 and in FIG. 8.

FIG. 2B further shows a turn button latch 204 a, 204 b, 204 c, and 205 dwhich are affixed to the easel back 201. The turn button latch 204 a,204 b, 204 c, and 205 d swivel from side to side and is used to securethe interchangeable inset 105 and easel back 201 into the backside ofthe top picture frame 101. The turn button latch 204 a, 204 b, 204 c,and 205 d is constructed of metal. However, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that this may be of any suitable material suchas plastic, carboard, rubber, etc., but not limited to these materials,this could be any material that currently exists, that is commonly usedin the industry, and/or yet to be developed.

FIG. 3A shows the right-side-up perspective view of box 102 with themain compartment 301 for holding a keepsake or memento, the holderproviding for the secure and safe long-term retention of the keepsake.The main compartment 301 is fully lined with leather, providing asophisticated appearance for displaying the keepsake. But, not limitedto this material, this could be any material that currently exists, thatis commonly used in the industry, and/or yet to be developed.

FIG. 3A also shows the right-side-up perspective view of box 102 withthe placement of (4) four round micro Neodymium-Rare Earth Magnets(magnets) 106 a, 106 b, 106 c, and 106 d recessed and flush mounted intothe top side of the box 102. The magnets 106 a, 106 b, 106 c, and 106 dare set adjacent to the edge of all four top sides of the box 102 andare aligned on center of each of the four top sides of the box 102.

FIG. 3B shows an upside-down perspective view of box 102 with a solidbottom and for a person's name, title, sentiment, inscription, design,etc.

FIG. 4A shows a right side up perspective view of coaster cover 103.

FIG. 4B shows a cut-away perspective view of box 102.

FIG. 4C shows a cut-away perspective view of box 102 with coaster cover103.

FIG. 4D shows a right side up perspective view of box 102 with coastercover 103 and also shows the placement of (4) four round microNeodymium-Rare Earth Magnets (magnets) 106 a, 106 b, 106 c, and 106 drecessed and flush mounted into the top side of the box 102. The magnets106 a, 106 b, 106 c, and 106 d are set adjacent to the edge of all fourtop sides of the box 102 and are aligned on center of each of the fourtop sides of the box 102.

FIG. 5 shows a front side perspective view of two components, in which,each is fitted with the strategic placement of (4) round microNeodymium-Rare Earth Magnets (magnets); the picture frame top 101 withmagnet 205 d, and the box 102 with magnet 106 d. More specifically FIG.5 shows the polarity of the magnets, each magnet having a (−) negativeside and (+) positive side. The polarity alignment is an integralelement in the joining the three components of convertible keepsake box.However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that allthree components, may be brought together securely of any suitablematerial such as; hook and loop fastener, tape, etc., but not limited tothese materials, this could be any material that currently exists, thatis commonly used in the industry, and/or yet to be developed.

FIG. 6 shows a joined-together display perspective view of the twocomponents, being the picture frame top 101, and box 102.

FIG. 7A shows a side by side display perspective view of the threecomponents, in which, the box 102 and the coaster cover 103 are joined,and the picture frame top 101 is removed and standing upright on a flatsurface next to the box 102.

FIG. 7B shows a side by side display perspective view of the threecomponents, in which, the box 102 and the coaster cover 103 areseparated, and the picture frame top 101 is removed and standing uprighton the coaster cover 103 next to the box 102.

FIG. 8 shows a stacked display perspective view of the three components,in which, joined are the coaster cover 103 on top of the box 102, andthe picture frame top 101 is removed and standing upright on top of thecoaster cover 103.

The person of skill in the art will understand that the descriptionsabove, referring the figures, are exemplary, and that many alterationsmight be made in individual cases, without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A picture frame keepsake box system, comprising: a planarcoaster cover having a regular shape with an outer periphery, athickness and one or more openings near the outer periphery; a boxhaving a closed floor, a side wall structure and an open top, thesidewall structure having an outer periphery in the regular shape of theplanar coaster cover, the sidewall structure recessed around an innerperiphery in the regular shape of the planar coaster cover to a depthequal to the thickness of the coaster cover, to engage the planarcoaster cover, and a first plurality of magnets embedded in a topsurface of the side wall structure in a specific pattern outside therecess of the side wall structure; and a picture frame top in a planaraspect having the lateral size and shape of the outer periphery of thewall structure of the keepsake box and a second plurality of magnetsembedded in a bottom surface of the picture frame top in the specificpattern of the magnets embedded in the top surface of the side wallstructure of the box.
 2. The picture frame keepsake box system of claim1 wherein the regular shape of the sidewall structure of the box, thecoaster cover and the picture frame top is rectangular.
 3. The pictureframe keepsake box system of claim 2 wherein the box has a fabriclining.
 4. The picture frame keepsake box system of claim 3 wherein thelining is leather.
 5. The picture frame keepsake box system of claim 1wherein the picture frame top further comprises an outer frame recessedto a first depth around an inner periphery with a planar interchangeableinsert of a first thickness with indicia printed on one surface engagedin the recess of the outer frame.
 6. The picture frame keepsake boxsystem of claim 5 wherein the indicia is a photograph.
 7. The pictureframe keepsake box system of claim 5 wherein the planar interchangeableinsert is aluminum and has a dye-sublimation photograph printed on onesurface.
 8. The picture frame keepsake box system of claim 5 furthercomprising an easel back in the shape and size of the planarinterchangeable insert and a second thickness, the easel back engagedover the planar interchangeable insert with the first and secondthickness equal to a depth of the recess in the outer frame.
 9. Thepicture frame keepsake box system of claim 8 wherein the interchangeableinsert and the easel back are retained in the recess of the outer frameby a plurality of turn button latches.
 10. The picture frame keepsakebox system of claim 9 wherein the easel back further comprises an easelkickstand enabling the easel back to be supported in a semi-uprightaspect separate from the box with the indicia displayed.
 11. A methodfor keeping a keepsake, comprising: placing the keepsake in a box ahaving an outer periphery in a regular shape, a closed floor and an opentop, with a side wall structure recessed around an inner periphery in aregular shape of a planar coaster cover with an outer periphery, athickness and one or more openings near the outer periphery, and a firstplurality of magnets embedded in a top surface of the side wallstructure in a specific pattern outside the recess of the side wallstructure; placing the planar coaster cover in the recessed innerperiphery of the wall structure, enclosing the keepsake in the box; andplacing a picture frame top having a planar aspect with lateral size andshape of the outer periphery of the wall structure of the keepsake box,and having and a second plurality of magnets embedded in a bottomsurface of the picture frame top in the specific pattern of the magnetsembedded in the top surface of the side wall structure of the box, onthe top of the box over the coaster cover, such that the first andsecond plurality of embedded magnets mate and hold the picture frame topin place.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the box is lined withleather.
 13. The method of claim 11 comprising a steps for accessing thekeepsake by removing the picture frame cover, then lifting off theplanar coaster cover using the openings proximate the outer periphery,exposing the keepsake for removal.
 14. The method of claim 11 whereinthe picture frame top further comprises a picture on one side and aneasel back with an easel kickstand on the other side, further comprisinga steps for removing the picture frame top, and poisoning the pictureframe top vertically on a surface away from the box, supported on theeasel kickstand, displaying the picture.